Grammar Corner

I'll probably get into some trouble here, but my debate watching partner (and grammar super-cop) was ready to throw her shoe at the teevee during this little rant by Joe Biden last night:

The issue is, how different is John McCain's policy going to be than George Bush's? I haven't heard anything yet. I haven't heard how his policy is going to be different on Iran than George Bush's. I haven't heard how his policy is going to be different with Israel than George Bush's. I haven't heard how his policy in Afghanistan is going to be different than George Bush's. I haven't heard how his policy in Pakistan is going to be different than George Bush's.

"Please say different from," she pleaded, to no avail.

Alas, it appears either usage is acceptable -- gasp!! -- though different from remains preferable.